A longer self-storage freeze wins committee backing—but only in one zoning district

Atlanta’s proposed fix for a gap in its self-storage rules is moving on two tracks: a longer application freeze won unanimous Zoning Committee support Oct. 26, while the companion special-use permit requirement was referred to committee.⁠[1][2]

The committee voted 6-0 to recommend ordinance 26-O-1595, which would extend the storage-application moratorium for 60 days beyond its stated Jan. 11, 2027 expiration—but only in Office-Institutional zoning. It would not extend the freeze citywide.⁠[1][2]

The measures address the omission described in our earlier report on the proposed fix for Office-Institutional zoning: Atlanta’s broader storage rules required special-use permits in most zoning districts but left this one out, according to the extension bill.⁠[2]

Both bills are sponsored by Councilmembers Dustin Hillis and Andrea L. Boone. The proposed extension covers new building, land-disturbance, special-use and special administrative permit applications, plus rezoning requests, for storage-facility construction.⁠[1][2]

The companion bill, 26-O-1596, would add secured-storage and mixed-use storage facilities to the district’s special-permit provisions. Its proposed language retains the restriction on sites with any property within 500 feet of the Beltline corridor, along with an exception allowing existing facilities there to redevelop at their existing floor-area ratio, consistent with code requirements.⁠[1][2]

The favorable recommendation is not final Council approval. The draft minutes list the extension’s next consideration for Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.; they do not record enactment of either measure.⁠[1]